Opposition Focus: Southend United

Southend United were promoted to the Championship in the 2005/06 season after impressing in L1 with players like Eastwood leading the charge.

In spite of this promise Southend were relegated after only one season in the Coca Cola Championship. First up in our Opposition focus series is Southend United . Southend United Vital Ed Junior answers a few questions on next seasons League one Campaign.

1.What Is your name ??

'Ed Junior (I don't like to give too much away)'

2.How Long have you supported Southend United?

'My first game was when I was 7 years old against Brentford at home.Due to my size I had to take a wooden crate to stand on.I have supported them for 28 years.'

3.Do you think you will do well in L1 Next season?

'It depends on so many things but the main one at the moment is to make sure we keep the nucleus of our squad.The important players for next season will be Eastwood (a target for many clubs) Flahavan (Goalkeeper) , Kevin Maher (Captain) ,Mark Gower and Jamal Campbell-Ryce to name but a few.We played some very good football at times last season but we lacked a few stronger players who could have kept us up.I think we were slightly out of our depth after back to back promotions but I think we should be at least looking for a spot in the play offs this time round.'

4.Where do you think you will strengthen for next season?

'Certainly up front.If Eastwood stays then we need someone to play alongside him.There is much talk of Paul Hayes coming to us from Barnsley (He actually originates from Essex) which would be a good buy especially for the 1st division.If Eastwood goes then we need at least two new strikers.If we have any chance of going straight back to the Championship then we need players who can get over 20 goals a season.If we manage to keep the other players I mentioned above then we will have a very strong midfield as well.I also think if we add another tall defender then our defense will also be ok.We were getting found out too often from set pieces last season.'

5. Who do you think is Swansea's most dangerous player?

'I think you have just signed Jason Scotland on a two year deal and if that is the case then he will be a huge signing for you.
He scored 33 goals for St.Johnstone and also features regularly for Trinidad and Tobago so he will certainly be one to look out for.Let's not forget Lee Trundle (is he still going to be with the Swans?) who has always been (well of late anyway) one of the best forwards outside the Premiership.'

6.Where do you think Southend and Swansea will come next season?

'Difficult to say due to lack of movement for Southend on the transfer front.If as I say we can keep the nucleus of our team and add a few more strong players then I think Southend are looking for at least at a playoff place.I think the Swans will do very well and could book themselves automatic promotion.
My predictions for the top places at the moment would be 1)Forest 2)Swansea 3) Leeds 4) Yeovil 5) Southend 6) Millwall 7) Luton.'

7.Will you be making the journey to the Liberty Stadium next season ?

'Oh yes I wouldn't miss it for the world.I had a fantastic trip last time I went to the liberty stadium as the result meant Southend were promoted.It's a great stadium (as far as new stadiums are concerned) and you have a fantastic following.There is no reason why your club shouldn't be going places big style.
All the best/Cheers Ed Junior'

Thank you to ED Junior and have a safe journey to the Liberty stadium.

Southend was the best team promoted from Division 1 in 2005/2006 season. The Swans supporters applauded them after their game at the Liberty. How fortunes changed last season and I was most surprised that they were relegated. They will certainly be one of the teams to test us next season.

We have got some big games next season with Southend, Leeds and Luton just to name a few. Next season will be a big test but im sure weve got the right man at the helm to steer us into the championship!